Here's the whole range in pictures. It is called Scalpel-Si (more or less confirms the F-Si like asymetric rear) and there is an alloy version of the frame. So the reports that it would not be compatible with a mechanical front derailleur were not true.

The info I saw was for the US. I didn't know they were doing a few different models in Europe. I've seen the Race and 3 in person and really like the look. The large 3 with cheap plastic pedals and tubes was 25 lbs even.

This bike is making me think about not getting a trail bike as most of the trails around me are pretty smooth and open. The main reason for looking at trail bikes was the geometry feeling more confident on descents. If this does the same thing without the extra travel and weight then its great.

Am I the only one who's a little bit underwhelmed? Definitely a nice ride, but overall it's a change in the geo, two (500ml) water bottles, and a dual lockout.

I'm not entirely sure what I was hoping for.. perhaps some style of flip chip to change its personality? slightly more trail/travel characteristics that could be pared back with the double lock out? (does anyone really need a double lock out on a 100mm bike these days?)

Not real happy with the trend towards 27.5 on the small either. I'm usually a smedium when it comes to frame size, so can usually go to the med frame & shorten up the stem a touch, but not looking very likely with the longer front end on these.

27.5 on a long travel bike? Absolutely.
27.5 on an XC race bike? Nope.

Can't seem to figure where the price jump comes from. $1000 for a carbon seat post, bars, different lockout, and better spokes? The 3 has one less shifter, front chainring, which should be subtracted from the increase. They have to cost something?

Maybe it comes down to decision :do I want to go 1x or stick with 2x that I have been running on my Flash. Ride in New England so there are some short but steeps.

Can't seem to figure where the price jump comes from. $1000 for a carbon seat post, bars, different lockout, and better spokes? The 3 has one less shifter, front chainring, which should be subtracted from the increase. They have to cost something?

Maybe it comes down to decision :do I want to go 1x or stick with 2x that I have been running on my Flash. Ride in New England so there are some short but steeps.

Been thinking the same thing but there are other differences. The big ones are the shock, crank, lock out system, and rear hub. Plus the 3 has an XTR rear derailleur. Not really sure if any of those parts are worth the added cost.

I might just be out of shape but I like being able to just dump or jump a bunch of gears by shifting up front when in rolling terrain. The shifting up front became so good with the SRAM 2x10 groups that, besides weight, I don't see the down side.

Not real happy with the trend towards 27.5 on the small either. I'm usually a smedium when it comes to frame size, so can usually go to the med frame & shorten up the stem a touch, but not looking very likely with the longer front end on these.

27.5 on a long travel bike? Absolutely.
27.5 on an XC race bike? Nope.

Why do you say that? Nino wins world cups on 27.5" wheels and he's taller than you. Why would you want wheels that are disproportionate to your frame size and result in a tall head tube (reduced standover and the need for a negative stem)?

I'm 6'2" and race pro XC on 27.5" wheels cuz I like the handling better.

Another classic 1x vs 2x debate mixed in with 27.5 vs 29
Just buy what a like ah. Or modify what ya buy
Nice of Cannondale to offer so many options...

Personally I was hoping for a SE with a 120 travel lefty and a rear shock canister up the top tube
Be a cool trail bike
Hopefully next year Cannondale will see the light and realise people want 29 trail bikes, making the Habbit 29 SE

Carbon3 with enve/xtrdi2

Carbon 3 with up spec

For the riding I do over here, 29'ers seem to be a smidge faster along the inevitable gravel road slogs & the bigger wheels are definitely more forgiving to bad line selection - I'm definitely no Nino. Most of my "racing" is Marathons & a stage race or two (racing = midpack... Transalp, Trans Schwarzwald, etc), so basically loooong days in the saddle. For that, I also find myself less fatigued/beat up when riding big wheels. Not a lot of truly tight singletrack either, so the big advantages of smaller wheels never comes into play.

Besides that, the size small 27.5" always seems like an afterthought. The design process seems to be to develop the 29'er, then shrink it a little to get to the 27.5". Things like the HTA & BB Height should vary between the sizes if they were designing specifically for the wheelsize, yet they never do. At least here they changed the rake between the two wheel sizes, so I guess that's a small improvement.

I'm not exactly tall, but I've never once in my life been bothered by standover... if my feet can touch the ground, I'm good. I've never understood the fixation on that. (2 bottles inside a small frame FS 29'er is likely impossible though).

Why do you say that? Nino wins world cups on 27.5" wheels and he's taller than you. Why would you want wheels that are disproportionate to your frame size and result in a tall head tube (reduced standover and the need for a negative stem)?

I'm 6'2" and race pro XC on 27.5" wheels cuz I like the handling better.

I'm the same height as you, and have only been riding and racing mtbs for several years now, but assumed my height warranted the larger wheels. Am I missing out on something? If so, is that something a little or a lot? FWIW, my USAC license says I'm an Expert racer.

I'm the same height as you, and have only been riding and racing mtbs for several years now, but assumed my height warranted the larger wheels. Am I missing out on something? If so, is that something a little or a lot? FWIW, my USAC license says I'm an Expert racer.

In a purely racing context you're not missing out on anything (or much). Most XC racers choose 29" wheels because they are slightly faster on some surfaces. Like the poster above said, the handling benefits of 27.5 wheels won't be noticed on more open and smoother courses. The benefits of 27.5 wheels are quicker handling in tighter and more technical trails and lighter weight. Coupled with slightly more travel and slacker headtube than the average XC bike (and dropper post) this results in a bike that I find more fun to ride both in races and general trail riding without feeling like I'm giving up speed or efficiency averaged over the whole course. The Cannondale equivalent to my bike would be a trigger with really light build but it's interesting to see Cannondale going a little in this direction with the new Scalpel.

While I wouldn't flatly recommend that someone over 6ft who's main priority is XC racing choose 27.5" wheels I think they're viable and for someone who fits a small frame I'd think they'd be preferable (unless the majority of your racing is the kind of terrain the poster above references).

Pretty disappointed too about not 29ER wheels for small frame..what's the reason behind that?
I understand geometry and handling. ..but it seems a lot of companies offer small 29ER size without any frame problems. I personally prefer 29ER. ...just, trying to understand Cannondale marketing and point of view.
Thanks

Cannondales world champion under 23 rider has stated he loves his small size FSI 27.5
I realise it's his job to say good things about their products. But I'm sure Cannondale would not put him on an inferior product, as I'm sure they want him to win the u23 world champ race again.
With time and age he has the potential to become a real threat to Nino(who also rides 27.5)
The great thing about Cannondale geometry is the 29ers almost handle like smaller wheeled bikes. I'm 6.2 and have a 29 scalpel and just sold my f29 and there handling has been far superior to the other three 29ers I have owned.
For me I like 29er for xc and trail and 27.5 for my enduro bike. On the 27.5 you feel the small bumps a lot. Going to upgrade the Yara fork to a Lyric, hoping that will help with small bump compliance

You are correct, my current bike is the team, that's why I misspoke, and yes I ordered the race model. Sounds like June will be a good month for me then. Now I have just have to sit and wait and be impatient because I am a man-child.

Originally Posted by adrenalnjunky

Looks like that's the ship date in Cannondale's Inventory system + 2 days shipping to your shop.

When you say "Team" I'm thinking you mean the "Race" model?

I believe shops had an opportunity to get some limited early orders in on some early production bikes, but it sounded like there weren't going to be many in circulation intil Mid-June.

Looks like most models have 1st production batch ship dates ranging from mid June thru early July, varying by model and size.

One exception appears to be the Carbon 1 - none show available until September.

A couple of Carbon 2's are available 5/18, the rest in June.

If you want a large Carbon 3, have your shop order it now - there's a few available for June (< 5), and the remainder won't be in til September.

You are correct, my current bike is the team, that's why I misspoke, and yes I ordered the race model. Sounds like June will be a good month for me then. Now I have just have to sit and wait and be impatient because I am a man-child.

Me too - I have never really been a fan of the Scalpel's handling - primarily the steering response - always too twitchy for my liking. I spent years on a turner Flux with a 69deg HA, and I think it has spoiled me. To that effect I was looking at trying a Habit in '17 and trying to knock it down in weight to make me happy, but I am/was unsure about stepping down to 27.5" wheel platform.

now with the Scalpel getting slacked out and a stretched front end - it might be more along the lines of what I would like. Unfortunately my shop won't be getting any this year unless they're special ordered. Carbon 3 is the trim I'd like, but would prefer the carbon lefty that the 2 gets.

Pretty disappointed too about not 29ER wheels for small frame..what's the reason behind that?
I understand geometry and handling. ..but it seems a lot of companies offer small 29ER size without any frame problems. I personally prefer 29ER. ...just, trying to understand Cannondale marketing and point of view.
Thanks

The reasoning is simple. Cannondale's market feedback is that riders of XS to Medium size frames tend to prefer a lower front end to the bike. Using a negative rise stem doesn't offset the high front end and high stand over. These riders also find it harder to manipulate the bigger wheels over very technical terrain.

The response is to offer the XS, S and M frames in 650B.
M is also available in 29er but with longer rear end at 17.2inches. The 650B Medium frame has 16.8inch chain stays. The front centre on the M650b is 2mm longer.
Also note the BB height is no different.

If anyone thinks a 29er is faster anywhere then you're sadly mistaken. I've trialed several 29ers and tried a few 27.5 wheeled bikes. There is nothing to be found for speed between the wheel sizes. I find myself faster on technical climbs and descents on the 650B and about the same as the 29er on long straight descents. The 29ers hat are faster are all heavier. Heavier bikes will always roll faster downhill.
the 29er does feel more comfortable.

For all my riding, XC, Marathon and trail I choose 650B. I'm glad Cannondale have decided to build the fastest possible bikes for people of different heights an not peg everyone as needing a 29er.

If anyone thinks a 29er is faster anywhere then you're sadly mistaken. I've trialed several 29ers and tried a few 27.5 wheeled bikes. There is nothing to be found for speed between the wheel sizes. I find myself faster on technical climbs and descents on the 650B and about the same as the 29er on long straight descents. The 29ers hat are faster are all heavier. Heavier bikes will always roll faster downhill.
the 29er does feel more comfortable.

For all my riding, XC, Marathon and trail I choose 650B. I'm glad Cannondale have decided to build the fastest possible bikes for people of different heights an not peg everyone as needing a 29er.

...and I'm dissapointed that Cannondale's marketing research led them to decide that smaller frames will sell better with 650b wheels & thus should be the only option. I'm sure the smaller wheel Scalpel is a nice bike, but I'm real happy that I picked up my F-Si before the marketing team took over the product mix.

I don't dislike 650b's, one of the three MTB's I ride the most is a 650b (oddly, one is a 26", one 27.5", & one a 29"... but they are all very different bikes). When it's go-fast day though, the 29'er is the one I hop on. NOBODY has been able to show with any certainty that 650b's are flat out faster than a 29'er. If anything, the data points the other direction (but I also would never say that 29'ers are flat out faster either... horses for courses & all. For my preferred courses, the 29" horse is usually faster with this jockey).

I guess after years of having "29ers are faster" forced down our throats by the bike industry, 650b being just as fast as a 29 and better for smaller riders is a bitter pill to swallow.
Well its clear that industry is now doing an about turn on 29ers. Cannondale's only 29er bikes are the M,L, XL Scalpel, and the F-Si. Both Xc race bikes. And there's a strong indication that the revised F-Si is also going to follow the wheel size format of the Scalpel

...and I'm dissapointed that Cannondale's marketing research led them to decide that smaller frames will sell better with 650b wheels & thus should be the only option. I'm sure the smaller wheel Scalpel is a nice bike, but I'm real happy that I picked up my F-Si before the marketing team took over the product mix.

I don't dislike 650b's, one of the three MTB's I ride the most is a 650b (oddly, one is a 26", one 27.5", & one a 29"... but they are all very different bikes). When it's go-fast day though, the 29'er is the one I hop on. NOBODY has been able to show with any certainty that 650b's are flat out faster than a 29'er. If anything, the data points the other direction (but I also would never say that 29'ers are flat out faster either... horses for courses & all. For my preferred courses, the 29" horse is usually faster with this jockey).

Ever seen a 5' 2" woman try to race on a small 29r with a riserbar flipped upside down and a headset with the dustcap removed, all in the name of getting the front end low enough? It's not a matter of trying to cram a wheel size down peoples throats. The bike isn't faster if it doesn't fit.

I tried to order an SI Hi-Mod 1 yesterday and was told September for that particular bike. Not sure if shops that pre-ordered will get them. Does anyone know if there will be any Hi-Mod 1's shipped prior to September ?

Originally Posted by adrenalnjunky

Looks like that's the ship date in Cannondale's Inventory system + 2 days shipping to your shop.

When you say "Team" I'm thinking you mean the "Race" model?

I believe shops had an opportunity to get some limited early orders in on some early production bikes, but it sounded like there weren't going to be many in circulation intil Mid-June.

Looks like most models have 1st production batch ship dates ranging from mid June thru early July, varying by model and size.

One exception appears to be the Carbon 1 - none show available until September.

A couple of Carbon 2's are available 5/18, the rest in June.

If you want a large Carbon 3, have your shop order it now - there's a few available for June (< 5), and the remainder won't be in til September.

LFJ, September is the date showing on the dealer site for that model, the Hi-Mod 1. With most of the other carbon ones coming in June-July, depending on size. Not sure if it's a paint thing or maybe the wheels?

Anything in medium showing as available in early June? I got a July date for a Carbon 1, which misses a critical date for me (vacation)... maybe tempted to go for something else if its available in time.

Ever seen a 5' 2" woman try to race on a small 29r with a riserbar flipped upside down and a headset with the dustcap removed, all in the name of getting the front end low enough? It's not a matter of trying to cram a wheel size down peoples throats. The bike isn't faster if it doesn't fit.

Do you actually think this bike fits either one of these two?

No idea how well that bike fits either of them, however my guess is the photographer that setup the shot is a lousy bike fitter but also wasn't all that concerned about fit. I do believe one of the two riders is Chloe Wodruff... who happened to clean up the Womens STXC and XC classes at Women's Nat's last year. On a 29'er.

Her choice of bike probably didn't slow her down there. But, absolutely, at the extreme ends of the spectrum there's going to be limitations & tradeoffs. To get the cockpit that you want, do you run a bar + stem setup that the internet will say is ugly, or do you go with smaller wheels? To each their own.

Anything in medium showing as available in early June? I got a July date for a Carbon 1, which misses a critical date for me (vacation)... maybe tempted to go for something else if its available in time.

*edit* - just want to point out that this is a real time stock system. If a dealer has already booked bikes with earlier ship dates than what I posted, then yes, some dealers may be able to get you one of these earlier than some of these dates. All I can report is what Cannondale says I can go and order right now.

ok. appreciate that. that confirms what the local shop says. september isn't that far off just thought maybe some shops were able to get this particular model earlier.

Originally Posted by norty_mtb

LFJ, September is the date showing on the dealer site for that model, the Hi-Mod 1. With most of the other carbon ones coming in June-July, depending on size. Not sure if it's a paint thing or maybe the wheels?

I have a Carbon 3 in Medium it's a sick bike. I ordered it for myself to race and use as a demo at the shop. Since it's not really a bike we can keep in stock. Everything is always for sale though. Would need to come to Massachusetts for it, if anyone has to have one now.

Just got a Scalpel SI carbon 3.
I was replacing the stock xt brakes for xtr and that plastic thing that holds the cables on the head tube felt inside of the frame. I can see it but I can't get it out through the same hole.
I guess if I can remove the fork and steering tube I will be able to get it.
How do I remove the fork and steering tube? I have loosened up the bolts but nothing comes apart.
Thanks in advance.

Just got a Scalpel SI carbon 3.
I was replacing the stock xt brakes for xtr and that plastic thing that holds the cables on the head tube felt inside of the frame. I can see it but I can't get it out through the same hole.
I guess if I can remove the fork and steering tube I will be able to get it.
How do I remove the fork and steering tube? I have loosened up the bolts but nothing comes apart.
Thanks in advance.

wrong video, that is for the removal of an opi stem.
just hit the top of the steerer gently with a rubber hammer and the steerer will come out on the bottom side, at that time you can pull the lefty fork away from the frame.

for mounting the steerer again, hit the steerer from the bottom side upwards

I am really, really, really curious how you like this bike!? The bike is so new, there are hardly any reports out except for the journalist promo ride in Italy. I am looking at the Race and debating between that and an SW Epic. Would love to get any feedback you have and also, if you do reply to this, what bike were you on previously to give some context to your review. THANKS!

Think this may be the bike that gets me off of Specy and onto Cdale. Not sure on the small with the 27.5 wheels - I am 5'6" and do like my 29er HT but I suppose it can't be all the much of a difference. I think a medium may work..will need to ride them. Just think that the slightly sacker XC bike is the way to go for most people on most trails (at least here) and it might be a fun option to add a dropper.

The reasoning is simple. Cannondale's market feedback is that riders of XS to Medium size frames tend to prefer a lower front end to the bike. Using a negative rise stem doesn't offset the high front end and high stand over. These riders also find it harder to manipulate the bigger wheels over very technical terrain.

The response is to offer the XS, S and M frames in 650B.
M is also available in 29er but with longer rear end at 17.2inches. The 650B Medium frame has 16.8inch chain stays. The front centre on the M650b is 2mm longer.
Also note the BB height is no different.

If anyone thinks a 29er is faster anywhere then you're sadly mistaken. I've trialed several 29ers and tried a few 27.5 wheeled bikes. There is nothing to be found for speed between the wheel sizes. I find myself faster on technical climbs and descents on the 650B and about the same as the 29er on long straight descents. The 29ers hat are faster are all heavier. Heavier bikes will always roll faster downhill.
the 29er does feel more comfortable.

For all my riding, XC, Marathon and trail I choose 650B. I'm glad Cannondale have decided to build the fastest possible bikes for people of different heights an not peg everyone as needing a 29er.

Agreed.
This is the same approach Trek has adopted, small frame with 27.5". https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnBArZ_2OgE
Scott is the only major player that offers all XC models in both 29 and 27.5 across all frame sizes.
Specialized is all in 29ers and has shorter travel forks for the small framed XC bikes as a solution for the higher front end.
Giant, on the other hand, is almost all in 27.5, even for XC bikes.
Nino Scuhrter's recent switch to 29" has really revived this debate...

At the same time some guys complain that Cannondale is not offering the Scalpel in the 29er format for the small frame, there is no 27.5 option for any other size as well.

As a short rider myself, I am pleased that they offer the small frame in the 27.5 format.

This is the first Scalpel I've wanted. I'm trying to get my shop to get a few 3 or 4s for the rental fleet so I can try one out. Too bad they don't offer a XT or X1 1-by build. That's what all our other rental bikes are.

Even the HM carbon 1 shows "Drivetrain: XTR" - but it is only XTR rear, XTR brakes/levers. XT shifters, cassette. And all of them seem to get the older HG-601 chains, which is a 105-level 11speed chain, not the new HG-X11 chain series. It's a very good chain, but again, not "XTR Drivetrain" spec.

Order Received ... 2017 Scalpel Si Carbon 2

If any of you who have test-ridden or have gotten your new Scalpel could compare the ride to a Felt Edict, would love to hear riding impressions. I'd be going from 29 to 27.5" wheel for fit on the Scalpel.
Thanks.

Is there internal routing for a stealth dropper post? I'm close to pulling the trigger on my first XC specific bike since 1994 and first 29er ever but that's an important detail for me. My current XC bike is a 23.5lb Santa Cruz 5010 with 6" dropper and 150/120mm fork. If the Scalpel Si can weigh a couple pounds less and roll a little faster without giving up too much "fun" and handling on descents I'd give it a shot.

Is there internal routing for a stealth dropper post? I'm close to pulling the trigger on my first XC specific bike since 1994 and first 29er ever but that's an important detail for me. My current XC bike is a 23.5lb Santa Cruz 5010 with 6" dropper and 150/120mm fork. If the Scalpel Si can weigh a couple pounds less and roll a little faster without giving up too much "fun" and handling on descents I'd give it a shot.

Note: The numbers suggest to me that the Hi-mod frame is about 1/2 lb lighter.

My 2017 Scalpel Si Carbon 2 came in at 24.7 pounds ... no pedals. That is a pound and a half heavier! The only modification ... I swapped the Racing Ralphs with Icon 2.2 EXOs.UPDATE: I confirmed the above published expected weight (23.3# for a medium) with Cannondale, and that is taken without pedals and without tubes or goop.

I reweighed this evening and the bike without pedals is 24.2 pounds

4 scoops stans = 1/2#
Icon 2.2 EXO = (645-560)*2 = .4 #

SO wheels are about 1# heavier than shipped. And that is the difference.

So much for getting a rental fleet of 3s. Various sizes aren't available till late July or August cuz all you fakas have queued up. Oh well, next year we'll get'em so if you wanna come race 2017 Breck Epic without having to fly your bike out make a reservation in the spring.

Shocks and gears, they are all like new to me. I guess 5th ride is a charm ... this morning's 5th ride on the Scalpel was the first where I started feeling comfortable with the handling and with managing effort levels.